encyphering

Enciphering, also known as encryption, is the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. This is achieved using an algorithm called a cipher. The original, readable information is called plaintext, and the encoded, unreadable information is called ciphertext. The process of transforming plaintext into ciphertext is called enciphering or encryption, and the reverse process, transforming ciphertext back into plaintext, is called deciphering or decryption.

Ciphers employ keys, which are pieces of information that determine the specific output of the cipher. Without the correct key, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to decrypt the ciphertext. There are various types of ciphers, broadly categorized into two main groups: symmetric-key cryptography and asymmetric-key cryptography. Symmetric-key systems use the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric-key systems use a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

The practice of enciphering has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations for secure communication. In modern times, it is fundamental to digital security, protecting everything from personal data and financial transactions to national security communications. The strength of an enciphering method depends on both the complexity of the algorithm and the secrecy and length of the key used. Advances in computational power have led to the development of increasingly sophisticated encryption techniques to counter evolving decryption methods.